After a string of hit teen dramas and romantic projects, Belle Mariano steps into one of the most emotional and challenging roles of her career in ‘Meet, Greet & Bye’ — Star Cinema’s highly anticipated family drama opening in cinemas worldwide on November 12.
Starring alongside industry heavyweights Maricel Soriano, Piolo Pascual, Joshua Garcia, and JK Labajo, Belle takes on a more grounded and mature character that pushes her acting depth to new heights.
During the film’s grand media conference at the Dolphy Theater, Belle couldn’t hold back her emotions after watching the official trailer for the first time. Tears filled her eyes as she expressed how deeply connected she felt to the story and her character.
“Sobrang na-attach kami sa proyektong ito,” Belle said. “Sana ‘yung pamilya Facundo at ‘yung mensahe ng pelikula ay umabot sa mga manonood, because it gives so much importance to the people you love in your life.”
She admitted that portraying her role — one of the Facundo children coping with their mother’s illness — was both emotionally draining and personally transformative.
“This movie changed me — as an actress and as a person. It made me appreciate my own family even more, and it reminded me that love and time are things you can never take for granted,” she shared.
Known for her breakout performances in He’s Into Her and An Inconvenient Love, Belle said she embraced this project as a chance to grow and show audiences a new side of herself.
“I wanted to challenge myself. After doing a lot of youthful, light-hearted roles, I really wanted something that would make me dig deeper emotionally,” she explained. “Working with legends like Ms. Maricel Soriano and Sir Piolo Pascual — it’s surreal. I learned so much just by watching them on set.”
Director Cathy Garcia-Sampana, known for creating some of the most beloved Filipino dramas, praised Belle’s dedication to her craft.
“Belle listens, absorbs, and delivers. You can feel her sincerity in every scene,” the director said. “She’s young, but she carries emotional weight that’s far beyond her years.”
‘Meet, Greet & Bye’ follows the story of the Facundo family, whose lives change when their mother, Baby (Maricel Soriano), is diagnosed with cancer and chooses to stop treatment. The decision forces her children — played by Piolo Pascual, Joshua Garcia, JK Labajo, and Belle — to confront their pain, fears, and unconditional love for one another.
According to Belle, working on the film reminded her of the value of expressing love before it’s too late.
“The story really teaches us to cherish our parents while they’re still here. Sobrang dami nating ginagawa sa buhay, minsan nakakalimutan na natin sabihin ‘I love you’ o ‘thank you.’ This movie reminds us to do that — now,” she said.
Beyond the intense scenes, Belle shared that what she’ll miss most is the bond she built with her co-stars.
“We really became a family. Sa set, si Ms. Maricel, parang tunay na nanay talaga. She takes care of everyone — may turmeric tea, may paypay, may lampin. JK and Joshua are like my brothers, and Sir Piolo treated us like real siblings,” she said with a smile.
As for what she hopes viewers will take away from the movie, Belle offered a simple message: “Love your family. Be kind. And don’t wait for a ‘goodbye’ before you say what you truly feel.”
With ‘Meet, Greet & Bye’, Belle Mariano continues to prove that she’s more than just a Gen Z darling — she’s a full-fledged actress capable of leading stories that resonate with depth, heart, and authenticity.
‘Meet, Greet & Bye’, directed by Cathy Garcia-Sampana and produced by Star Cinema, opens in cinemas worldwide on November 12, 2025.
